Page 99 of The Duke of Distraction
“Iammore charming,” Sutton said.
Dartford scoffed.“Perhaps we should have a competition.”
Eugenia laughed.Dartford wasn’t called the Duke of Daring for nothing.“I will leave you to it!”She moved along and soon came upon more of her inner circle.
Three ladies were clustered together—the Duchesses of Kilve and Romsey as well as Mrs.Powell, who was the sister of the Duchess of Romsey.Eugenia had met her only a few times, since she lived far north in Lancashire, and expressed her pleasure at having her in attendance.
“It is my pleasure to be here,” Mrs.Powell said.“And please, you must call me Verity.Titus was such an ally to my husband last spring.”
When her husband had initially pretended to be her long-lost husband, the Duke of Blackburn, in order to protect her from her father before he’d been transported for a variety of crimes.It had been a bit of a scandal, but Eugenia had done her best to support the Powells and quash the gossip.
Verity looked toward her husband, who stood talking with Romsey and Kilve.They were an exceptionally handsome trio.
“It’s her last event,” Diana, Duchess of Romsey, said.“And ours.We’re traveling to Lancashire tomorrow in advance of Verity’s lying-in.”
“My goodness, thereissomething in the air,” Eugenia said.“It seems everyone is increasing.It’s just splendid.”
“I am not,” Diana said.“But our daughter is just five months old, so I shall be grateful for that.”
Violet, the Duchess of Kilve, nodded in agreement.“And our son is barely six months old.”Her gaze traveled to her husband, who gave her a warm smile.“Though we are hoping to have another one soon.”
Eugenia chatted with them for a few more minutes before she excused herself and carried on.She then came upon the Duke and Duchess of Clare.
“Good evening, Lady Satterfield,” Clare said.“I was just speaking with your husband.He told me of his accident yesterday.”
“Yes, he was rather clumsy,” Eugenia said.“But I daresay he’s enjoying holding court this evening.”
Ivy smiled.“He seemed to.As usual, this is the premier event of the Season.It doesn’t really start, not officially, anyway, until your ball.”
Eugenia touched her arm.She was particularly fond of Ivy, who had been companion to Eugenia’s dear friend, Lady Dunn.“Thank you.I do enjoy seeing so many people I’ve come to know and love.Will you be in town long?”
“Just another week or so,” Ivy said.“Then we must return to the country because I’m going to become an aunt.”
“Oh, that’s right, Fanny is expecting,” Eugenia said, mentally counting the number of women here who were with child, and ultimately giving up.
Another couple joined them—the Marquess and Marchioness of Axbridge.Emmaline’s state, that of rather advanced pregnancy, was quite obvious.“We wanted to come and pay our respects, Lady Satterfield,” Axbridge said.“I’m afraid we need to be leaving.We probably should not have come, but Emmaline was adamant that she not miss your ball, even if we stayed only five minutes.”
Ivy moved to put her arm on Emmaline’s waist, her face creasing with concern.“Are you all right?Do you want me to escort you home?”
Emmaline waved a hand.“No, I’ll be fine.I’m just a bit overheated.”
Eugenia gazed at her in sympathy.“It may be time for me to allow Titus to host this ball.His house is so much bigger.He has a proper ballroom.”
“No.”All four of them said the word in unison, and Eugenia laughed.
“It’s tradition,” Axbridge said.“You host the first must-attend event of the Season.That’s simply the way it is.”
“You’ve convinced me,” Lady Satterfield said with a laugh.“Now, how about you go downstairs to our private library and put your feet up while your coach is brought round?I’ll have lemonade and port sent down.”
Emmaline’s entire body wilted with relief.“You are an angel.Thank you.”
“It is my pleasure, and do let me know when Axbridge’s heir arrives.”
“It’s going to be a girl,” Axbridge said.
Ivy looked at Clare.“You said that about Leah, and you were right.”
He chuckled.“As right as I was about marrying you.”He winked at his wife, and a moment later, Eugenia saw the Axbridges down the stairs.
